The Yarmouth Town Council seeks to overturn a charter amendment that was overwhelmingly approved by the voters in 2018, and affirmed in a court challenge. The court’s opinion validated the importance of the amendment’s  provisions.

The council’s motivation in sending the matter to the voters is now premised on “inclusion.” However, the process by which the question has made its way to the ballot is troubling, and was anything but inclusive.

Council Chairperson Timothy Shannon spoke eloquently to that point 53 minutes into the Sept. 15 Town Council meeting, and voted not to move the question to the voters. Councilor Shannon’s remarks speak to what is most important for good governance: the participation of the residents in the process. The process that brings this question to the voters was anything but inclusive.

I urge you to vote no on the charter amendment.

Richard Plourde
Yarmouth